Civics 101 – Civics for Life

Free, fast, and foundational civics education for all ages.

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Mission

Civics for Life is a project of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy, dedicated to advancing American democracy through multigenerational civics education, civil discourse, and civic engagement. The Civics 101 initiative delivers accessible online learning to strengthen civic knowledge and inspire informed participation in public life.

Why It Matters

Millions of Americans lack a working knowledge of how government functions or what their civic responsibilities entail. Civics 101 meets this challenge head-on with fast, foundational lessons that help people of all ages—from students to retirees—understand the systems that shape their daily lives. With trust in institutions declining and polarization rising, resources like Civics 101 play a vital role in rebuilding civic competence and confidence.

Alignment with The Change Lab

Civics 101 is an essential resource for Level 1: Awareness & Access and Level 2: Exploration & Expression on The Change Lab’s Civic Engagement Pathway. It directly supports Civic Literacy, a core subject within the Change Lab’s framework, and offers an easy on-ramp for learners, educators, and community groups seeking to build a stronger foundation for democracy. Its tools can be embedded into workshops, community events, and DIY civic kits.

Key Programs & Features

• 🧠 Self-Guided Learning: Engaging lessons on the Constitution, branches of government, and individual rights

• 🎯 Civics Pop Quiz: Fun and interactive knowledge tests with instant feedback

• 📘 Quarterly Publications: Essays and resources on timely civic topics

• 🏕 Youth Programs: Includes the Civics Challenge and Camp O’Connor USA

• 📚 Educator Tools: Resources to support teaching civics in classrooms or informal settings

Strategic Alignment

Primary Service Area Domain(s):

• 🏛 Governance

• 🏫 Education

• 🤝 Community

Pathway Subject(s):

• Civic Literacy

• Storytelling & Narrative

• Community Voice & Power

Engagement Pathway Alignment:

• Take a Civic Quiz

• Learn About Local Issues

• Discover Who Represents You

• Join a Civic Team (for educators or facilitators)

Role in Ecosystem

• Engagement Role: Community Ally, Educational Resource

• Level of Engagement:

  • Level 1: Awareness & Access

  • Level 2: Exploration & Expression

• Diagonals (Cross-Cutting Themes):

  • Civic Imagination

  • Systems Thinking

  • Belonging & Inclusion

🌎 Contextual Details

• Region / Geography: National (U.S.-based, globally accessible)

• Population Served: Adults, lifelong learners, educators, and students (Grades 6–12)

• Current Projects / Notes: High alignment with Change Lab’s Civic Literacy track. Consider featuring in DIY Civic Toolkits and Youth Engagement Packs.